Combined administration of MK-801 and cycloheximide produces a delayed potentiation of fear discrimination memory extinction

Behav Neurosci. 2018 Apr;132(2):99-105. doi: 10.1037/bne0000232.

Abstract

Mixed evidence exists regarding the role of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors in memory reconsolidation. We provide no evidence that NMDA receptors are involved with memory reconsolidation, but instead demonstrate that prereactivation systemic MK-801 injection, combined with postreactivation intrabasolateral amygdala (BLA) cycloheximide infusion, produces a delayed potentiation of extinction learning. These data suggest that an interaction between NMDA antagonism and protein synthesis inhibition may enhance extinction by exerting effects outside of the intended reconsolidation manipulation window. The present work demonstrates a novel pharmacological enhancement of extinction, and underscores the importance of employing proper control procedures in reconsolidation research. (PsycINFO Database Record

MeSH terms

  • Amygdala / drug effects
  • Amygdala / metabolism
  • Animals
  • Cycloheximide / administration & dosage*
  • Discrimination, Psychological / drug effects*
  • Discrimination, Psychological / physiology
  • Dizocilpine Maleate / administration & dosage*
  • Excitatory Amino Acid Antagonists / administration & dosage
  • Extinction, Psychological / drug effects*
  • Extinction, Psychological / physiology
  • Fear / drug effects
  • Fear / physiology
  • Freezing Reaction, Cataleptic / drug effects
  • Freezing Reaction, Cataleptic / physiology
  • Male
  • Memory / drug effects*
  • Memory / physiology
  • Protein Synthesis Inhibitors / administration & dosage
  • Psychotropic Drugs / administration & dosage*
  • Rats, Long-Evans
  • Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate / metabolism
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Excitatory Amino Acid Antagonists
  • Protein Synthesis Inhibitors
  • Psychotropic Drugs
  • Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate
  • Dizocilpine Maleate
  • Cycloheximide